New MINI Countryman Makes Its UK Debut

BRACKNELL, UNITED KINGDOM – September 3, 2010: MINI will launch its latest and largest model, the MINI Countryman, to the UK market on September 18 2010. Countryman will be the fourth member of the MINI family following Hatch, Convertible and Clubman but the first to have four doors, seating for five adults and the first to offer four wheel drive. The MINI Countryman will be available in seven models, two of which will offer ALL4, MINI’s new four wheel drive option. Countryman offers more space, more practicality and more versatility than any MINI before and it will also spearhead MINI’s return to the World Rally Championship in 2011.

“Countryman takes the MINI story to a new level in the brand’s 51 year heritage” said Jochen Goller, Director of MINI UK. “With extra space, ALL4 and four doors we believe the MINI Countryman will appeal to a completely new audience and with prices starting at £16,000 with a very high standard specification, I think we are on to a winner” he said. “The fact that Countryman is already sold out for this year indicates that MINI showrooms are going to be popular this autumn” Goller observed.

The market for Countryman

The demand for crossover vehicles has grown substantially in recent years: drivers want the best of both worlds with normal saloon-like driving responses as well as the added versatility of soft off-road ability and the interior flexibility to cope with all the hobbies, shopping trips and activities that are such a huge part of busy modern family life.

As a result, MINI Countryman arrives in a growing segment that presents an opportunity to attract buyers from a wide range of competitive cars. Not only will they find the flexibility their lifestyle demands but they will also discover the world of MINI, a world where practicality and versatility does not bring limitations on the fun that can be derived from driving.

“The Countryman models still pack in the driving thrills that put a grin on your face the way all MINIs do” said Lee Connolly, Product and Planning Manager at MINI UK. “But the Countryman also brings new levels of space and versatility to the range that will attract not only existing MINI owners but also new customers. We expect that the extra space will mean that around 80 per cent of Countryman sales will come from customers completely new to the MINI brand. Already we see the MINI Countryman being the benchmark in terms of residual values and lease company whole life costs.”